TEHRAN - Three people in Iran died in what was reportedly the worst cyclone to hit the Arabian Peninsula in more than 60 years.

They died when a flooded river caused their truck to flip in Bandar-e Jask, Press TV reported.

Cyclone Gonu, with winds of up to 125 mph, knocked out power and phone lines and forced evacuations across southern Iran. Gonu was expected to deliver a sandstorm to the desert region around Bam, Alalam reported.

Gonu was headed toward Saudi Arabia next and was expected to weaken in the coming days, Alalam reported.